Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisThe Mayor of Little Riddlewood has been murdered - use your detective skills to help amateur crime solvers Ben, Gladys, Emily and Harold discover who dunnit! A bumper casefile of over 90 crime-themed visual, code, logic, number and word puzzles to solve - this mixed puzzle book for adults is the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery! Can you crack all the clues and catch the culprit?

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Book SynopsisPeer inside the Victorian era with Antiquities Sticker, Color & Activity Book—with more than 500 fanciful stickers and more than 90 activity and coloring pages.

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Book SynopsisA curated collection of knitting patterns for animal dolls from best-selling author Louise Crowther. These patterns were previously published in Knitted Animal Friends and Knitted Wild Animal Friends and we have combined the toy patterns from both book, without the clothes and accessories, to create the ultimate knitted animal toy collection.

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Book SynopsisLet's go on a wonderful treasure hunt! Designer Erinna Lee has drawn up a map to help you discover her most darling amigurumi. Lottie the ladybug dreams of becoming a pilot, Charlie the platypus trains to become an Olympic athlete, Rosie the fawn gives her all to gardening and Rex the dinosaur professor has just discovered the fossils of the Crochetosaurus. And they have a lot more friends, with big hearts and even bigger dreams. Having these precious friends around will make you feel like the most fortunate person in the world! The 15 amigurumi in this book are little gems, waiting to be discovered and cherished by you. They're outfitted with the most kawaii accessories that you can mix and match with the other characters as well. Erinna shares a wealth of information in this book, so with a couple of stitches and some soft yarn, you'll make your very own amigurumi treasure trove in no time!

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Book SynopsisA new pocket-book edition of the bestselling watercolour tip book by renowned artist Charles Evans. Discover 100 top tips for painting in watercolour that will take the mystery out of painting, covering topics from creating depth, introducing harmony, how to deal with light and shade and how to create mood and atmosphere, this book was previously published as Charlie's Top Tips for Watercolour Artists. Contained inside one slim, notebook-size book that will fit perfectly in your kit bag for easy transportation while painting on the go, it includes quick, clever tips that are easy to follow and effective. Trade ReviewSearch Press's new series of pocket books for watercolourists by popular tutors - Charles Evans, Terry Harrison and Geoff Kersey - is taken from the previously published Top Tips for Watercolour Artists series. The material isn't new, but the format is. Notebook-sized, it fits perfectly into your kit bag so makes the ideal reference tool when you are working out in the field. Charles Evan's books includes tips on sketching, skies, light and shade, trees, man-made structures, mood and atmosphere. Terry Harrison includes chapters on how to use photographs, wet into wet, masking and lifting out, grasses and flowers, and winter scenes, while Geoff Kersey includes tips on mixing colours, the importance of shadows, hills and mountains and adding signs of life. The popular Top Tips series was well planned providing would-be artists with tips from experienced watercolour painters to help them with specific areas of painting. This new pocket book series gives them a new lease of life. * Leisure Painter, September 2018 *Search Press have reissued their eminently useful Top Tips series in paperback. If you haven't encountered these before, they're a handy way of taking the advice of your favourite artists out in the field with you. Got a problem with skies, water, washes, colour mixing or almost anything else? You'll find quick solutions, often in a short paragraph and a single illustration that'll get you back on track in minutes. Ideal as a source of inspiration, as well as an antidote to frustration, these are easy to pack and use. -- Henry Malt * Paint magazine (September 2018) *Table of ContentsIntroduction 8 Materials 10 Sketching 22 Colour 24 Skies 30 Creating depth 41 Introducing harmony 44 Light and shade 46 Trees 50 Life in the landscape 62 Creating texture 70 Man-made structures 72 Water 80 Mountains and cliffs 86 Mood and atmosphere 92 Index 96

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Book SynopsisGray Malin's awe-inspiring aerial photographs are shot from doorless helicopters, creating stunning celebrations of natural form, color, and repetition. This two-sided puzzle features a majestic mountainside ski-slope and skiers on one side and an array of rainbow hues decorating the crisp white snow of a luxury ski resort on the other side.

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Book SynopsisIn Mythical Beasts: An Artist's Field Guide to Designing Fantasy Creatures, thirty talented artists show you how to sketch, draw, and render thirty mythical creatures. Learn how to create some of the best-known fantasy creatures including the werewolf, unicorn, and of course the fantasy staple—the dragon. Also included are lesser-known mythical beasts such as the Slavic Leshy, Japanese Jorogumo, and the Congolese Dingonek. Each creature has its own chapter which covers its history, how to render main elements, and variations, and one large final illustration. If you are a fan of mythology and fantasy, then Mythical Beasts is the book for you!Table of Contents1. Aswang 2. Barghest 3. Boggart 4. Bunyip 5. Chimera 6. Chupacabra 7. Cockatrice 8. Dingonek 9. Eastern Dragon 10. Faun 11. Gorgon 12. Harpy 13. Jackalope 14. Jormungandr 15. Jorogumo 16. Kelpie 17. Kraken 18. Krampus 19. Leshy 20. Manticore 21. Merman 22. Mothman 23. Nue 24. Ox-Head 25. Phoenix 26. Unicorn 27. Werewolf 28. Western Dragon 29. Wyvern 30. Yeti

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Book SynopsisDraw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants is a must-have visual reference for student artists, botanical illustrators, urban sketchers, and anyone seeking to improve their realistic drawing skills. This comprehensive book features 600-plus step-by-step sketches depicting a vast array of beautiful botanicals, florals, plant structures, and more. Each begins with simple shapes and lines and builds on those forms, adding details like flower centers, leaf veins, and petal shading, and ending with a finished drawing. Helpful drawing tips are also included. Designed as a contemporary guidebook for artists who want to draw botanical forms, Draw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants shows flower blossoms, leaves, and plants from a variety of perspectives. By following the guides, artists will become more skilled and confident in their ability to draw any flower or greenery. Among the botanicals featured are: Tropical florals such as plumeria, protea, and African violet Hanging and vine blooms, including wisteria and morning glory Birch, white oak, gingko, and maple leaves Plants with interesting shapes, such as cactus, zebra grass, and bamboo Author Melissa Washburn is a skilled illustrator whose clear and elegant drawing style will make this a go-to sourcebook for years to come. The books in the Draw Like an Artist series are richly visual references for learning how to draw classic subjects realistically through hundreds of step-by-step images created by expert artists and illustrators.

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from the success of her first book, Sena Runa presents a brand new collection of exciting projects to make. As in her first book, there are plenty of designs that will appeal to the complete beginner, but there are also some more challenging designs for readers that want to build on their skills. The 20 projects cover a wide range of subject matter that will appeal to all ages, including a rainbow, llama, hot-air balloon, ice cream, airplane and scooter. Using Sena's signature subtle gradations of colour and pops of bright, sunny tones, once framed they create gorgeous artwork for the home. They can also be used to decorate greetings cards. For quilling novices there is information on the tools and materials needed and a complete guide to quilling techniques - they're simple to learn with impressive results. This absorbing pastime can be picked up and put down, fitting into busy lives and offering moments of calm enjoyment.

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Book SynopsisThe Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is recognized internationally as a centre of excellence for embroidery, and Goldwork is the fourth title in a series of books showcasing the RSN’s techniques and contemporary flair. Author Emi Nimura is a Graduate Apprentice and expert teacher with the RSN; she provides the reader with a thorough grounding in goldwork stitches and techniques, three beautiful projects and numerous inspiring finished pieces. The book features an introduction to the RSN and its prestigious heritage. It reveals the history and context of goldwork, the materials and tools that are used, and provides clear, highly illustrated instructions that will allow the reader to achieve the technical expertise that goldwork demands. In addition, there are numerous examples of Emi's exquisite work throughout the book, together with a varied range of finished works by other embroiderers that showcases the diversity of goldwork design in both a traditional and a contemporary context.Trade ReviewFrom the UK's own centre of excellence for embroidery, the Royal School of Needlework, and the brilliant Emi Nimura, comes one of the RSN's latest library additions: Goldwork. Delve into the history and evolution of this majestic craft and give it a go yourself with Emi's three incredible projects. Make light work of getting to grips with the gorgeous technique under Emi's expert guidance every step of the way. -- Love Embroidery * Love Embroidery *This is a book for those times when you want to know you're in safe hands, to be shown the right way. Here every aspect of goldwork is carefully broken down and thoroughly explained: techniques, materials, equipment. It's a book that demystifies the skills involved in achieving professional results. It aims to build knowledge page-by-page and give you the confidence to create ornate and opulent work for yourself. * Stitch Magazine *My friends tell me that if I was stranded on a desert island I would be very happy as long as I had goldwork materials with me. If you ignore the fact that the threads would tarnish quickly, my friends are probably right. Some excellent books are already available on metal thread embroidery, and this is not the first one that has been released under the RSN banner or by embroiderers closely associated with the RSN. I wasn't sure where this new book "Techniques, Projects & Pure Inspiration: Goldwork" by Emi Nimura would fit in, however it's a beautiful book with a unique perspective on this technique. The author studied textile design and was a beaded jewellery artist before becoming an Apprentice at the Royal School of Needlework, and is now the co-ordinator and tutor of RSN classes in Japan. Although her beautiful embroidery, in a variety of techniques, has appeared in books by other embroiderers, this is her first book as author. The format and introduction are fairly standard for a book associated with the RSN. Following the introduction and a short history of goldwork, there are sections on Materials and Tools, the various options for how to set up your frame and a section called Inspiration and Design, which covers topics such as order of work, design transfer and how to make a velvet board. Each section contains clear pictures and detailed instructions. The next part of the book is devoted to techniques. All the expected things are included, but I love that instead of just showing a technique, all in the same metal thread or of different threads of the same colour, the author has given examples of combining differently coloured threads and combining them with beads. She mixed chips with beads and French knots. The examples really do make you feel like experimenting. In the project part of the book you begin to really see the full extent of the author's skills. Her designs are visually stunning, beautifully presented and really bring together the beaded jewellery designer and embroiderer. There is a series of little brooch designs, a corsage of autumn leaves and an acorn embellishment for a purse; all with templates, photographs, and clearly written instructions. This is goldwork that is not just to be framed on the wall but something you can proudly wear. My favourite is the jewel-like corsage of autumn leaves. It is just beautiful; combining silver, gold and copper with beads and rhinestones as well as wooden beads wrapped in metal threads that would normally be associated with stumpwork. Completing the book are pictures from the RSN collection as well as pieces from other embroiderers. So while this book is similar to other books on goldwork - it stands out because of its beautiful designs, giving the traditional technique a new twist. I hope we see more book from this very talented lady. -- Rosie McKeller * Book Threads *Brought to you by the Royal School of Needlework, this unique read showcases the ins-and-outs of goldwork stitching. Inside you'll find the history of this impressive technique, the materials and tools that are used, and finally detailed step-by-step instructions to allow the reader to achieve the expertise this method demands. Projects to dip your toes into include: a penguin brooch, a leaf corsage and a tiny acorn embellishment for a clutch. * Sew Magazine *Table of ContentsThe Royal School of Needlework 6 Introduction to goldwork 8 The history of goldwork 10 Materials and tools 14 Inspiration and design 38 Basic techniques 46 Goldwork embroidery techniques 54 Bead embroidery techniques 84 Penguin brooch 92 Autumn Leaf corsage 104 Acorn embellishment 114 Further inspiration 128 Templates 138 Glossary 144 Index 144

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Choi, an embroidery teacher and artist, introduces the Korean art of bojagi in this beautiful and practical volume…Crafters up for a new challenge will find this hits the spot." --Publishers Weekly"…these patterns will appeal to those just learning as well as those honing an existing skill set…The level of detail included is exceptional, and readers willing to dive into that detail will appreciate learning from an expert artisan." --Booklist

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Book SynopsisLearn how to draw with colored pencils by following this easy and accessible guide, in which award-winning artist Kendra Ferreira demonstrates the creative potential of an exciting and highly versatile artistic medium. Colored pencils combine the expressiveness of painting with the control of drawing. They allow for really rich and luminous color, with finished drawings being so detailed and pigmented that they resemble paintings. With 10 step-by-step tutorials, Kendra helps beginners learn: the fundamentals of drawing and colored-pencil techniques. tutorials covering a range of subject matter, including still lifes, portraits, clouds and landscapes. advice on tools, materials and techniques, plenty of tips throughout and ideas on how to take each tutorial a step further. special features on drawing skies, adding figures to a scene and how to create colorful greys and shadows. Skills developed include: making marks, sketching and composition, creating tone, light and shade, mixing colors, layering, optical mixing, burnishing, underpainting, creating texture and using solvents for painterly effects.

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Book SynopsisDrawing is not a talent, it's a skill anyone can learn. This is the philosophy of drawing instructor Brent Eviston based on his more than twenty years of teaching. He has tested numerous types of drawing instruction from centuries old classical techniques to contemporary practices and designed an approach that combines tried and true techniques with innovative methods of his own. Now, he shares his secrets with this book that provides the most accessible, streamlined, and effective methods for learning to draw. This guide includes everything needed to get started creating beautiful art, including:-Basic Skills: Familiarizing yourself with the best materials and fundamental skills.-Dynamic Mark Making: Bringing your drawings to life with dynamic and engaging mark making.-Form and Space: Learning to draw in three dimensions, giving your drawings a dramatic sense of volumes and deep space.-Measuring and Proportion: Using a series of measuring tools and strategies that will take the guesswork our of the drawing process.-Contours: Learn to draw complex, volumetric form using three kinds of contour lines. Including information on foreshortening, one of the most sought after drawing skills.-Shading Fundamentals: Drawing with dramatic light and shadow.Taking the reader through the entire process, beginning with the most basic skills to more advanced such as volumetric drawing, shading, and figure sketching, this book contains numerous projects and guidance on what and how to practice. It also features instructional images and diagrams as well as finished drawings. With this book and a dedication to practice, anyone can learn to draw!

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Book SynopsisExplore Your Crafty NatureLet needle and thread transport you with 25 one-of-a-kind cross-stitch projects that evoke a peaceful, invigorating walk in the forest. Max Pigeon, cross-stitch designer and founder of Pigeon Coop, beautifully captures light, depth and color in these modern designs that celebrate the majesty of nature.Stitchers can let their creative side go wild with patterns that range from minimalist tree motifs to detailed landscape masterpieces. Spend time creating the elegant beauty of The Mighty Oak or play with silhouettes in the two-hoop Eagle Ravine. Try your hand at stitching on black Aida cloth with the impressive Aurora, or challenge yourself to complete a more intricate scene with the stunning Sequoia Falls. With Max's expert guidance and these inspiring, thoughtful cross-stitch patterns, the serene world of the woods is at your fingertips.

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Book SynopsisFull of winding tunnels and fearsome magical traps for intruders, the tower of the reclusive spellbinder princess is usually impossible to breach—apart from tonight. Once every ten years the gates of the Locked Keep open for the masquerade ball, and it’s your one chance to get inside. Choose to sneak, charm or fight your way up to the room of confiscated magical objects at the top of her tower, where there is something you desperately want…Welcome to Into the Tower, a fantasy heist where the reader chooses their path, trying to make their way through magic, monsters, and perils to the top of the mysterious spellbinder princess’s tower. Into the Tower expands on the world of Into the Dungeon, bringing even more excitement and adventure from award-winning writer and artist Hari Conner. If you survive your journey up the tower, you can find out the secrets of the princess’s past and why she locked herself away, become one of the monsters slowly consuming humanity, lose yourself forever in the source of all magic, destroy the world—or even, on the right path, change it for the better.

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Book Synopsis3D Scroll Saw Projects is a compilation of all the bestcompound-cutting articles from Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts magazine.All the designers are well-known and well-respected woodworkers like AlBaggetta, Sue Mey, Clayton Meyers, and Diana Thompson. Packed with tips,techniques, 35 fun compound-cut projects, and over 150 full-size patterns,you''ll find projects for decorative items like Christmas ornaments, earrings,and holiday gift boxes to practical items like an air plant holder, a chess set,vases, miniature birdhouse ornaments, and a set of little clocks. To create amazing 3D compound-cut pieces, simplylay the pattern down along one side of the block, cut with your scroll saw,turn the block 90 and cut out the second part of the pattern. Whether you''re a beginner or have beenscrolling for decades, you''ll find plenty of patterns you can tackle withsuccess!

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Book SynopsisThis sumptuous and inspiring book, written by needlework expert Trish Burr and created in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a stunning, contemporary guide to embroidering flowers. All the reusable iron-on transfers needed are kept safely together with the book in an attractive hardback folder. Focusing mainly on long-and-short stitch and Trish's delicate, considered use of silk shading, the book contains all the clearly-illustrated stitches needed, and gives thorough advice on preparation and choosing fabrics and threads – including a handy thread conversion chart. The embroideries are reworkings of botanical artworks from Kew's Art Collection. There is one 'starter' project to encourage readers to try out the techniques, one large sampler containing 18 small elements that can be worked individually or as a group, and nine further projects – including a striking spider chrysanthemum, an elegant waterlily and an opulent magnolia. All the projects are shown step-by-step, with an order of work diagram given where appropriate. The enclosed reusable iron-on transfer papers offer embroiderers a fast and accurate method of transferring the designs - the transfers simply need ironing on to fabric so that the reader can start embroidering straight away. The templates are also included at full size at the back of the book. This stunning yet practical book is a must-have for anyone interested in capturing flowers in thread.Trade ReviewTake inspiration from the natural world with needlework expert Trish Burr's embroidery guide, made in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Learn new stitching methods while creating intricate spider chrysanthemums, striking magnolias and much more. The book also comes with reusable iron-on transfer papers so you can get started straight away. * Sew Magazine *Another fantastic Search Press craft book. The photos are beautiful and detailed and the instructions are clear to follow. The author has given step-by-step instructions for beginners but the projects will appeal to more experienced embroiders too. A gorgeous book with lovely projects to make. -- Louise Coyle * Amazon *This is a beautifully written and illustrated book, very clear instructions for beginners and improvers! Lots of information about threads and stitches before you start on a new project, can’t wait for my new threads to come to start on a simple project, as I have only done a little hand embroidery in the past I look forward to accomplishing some more intricate projects in the future. -- Sandra Wood * Amazon *We have to admit, we will never get enough of Trish’s exquisite needlepainting, and this book doesn’t disappoint. This time, she’s combined her prodigious talent with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England, to bring you 11 gorgeous floral projects rendered in her easy-to-follow yet photographically perfect way. For the Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers, Trish has chosen a range of unusual designs which can be worked individually or as one spectacular botanical study, packed with colour and life. Trish’s books are known for their uncomplicated instructions and the gentle progression from simple to complex, and this book is no different. You can begin with the starter project – a vivid purple Japanese Anemone, then work, step-by-step through the book, mastering flowers, plants and insects until you reach the magnificent Magnolia and intricate Poppy sampler at the end. Beautifully presented in a hardcover folder, the book also comes with a set of reusable iron-on transfers tucked into the elegant cover slip, so you don’t have to hand draw your patterns on to your fabric. Naturally, if you prefer, all of the patterns are also provided for you in the back of the book so you are really spoilt for choice. It is difficult to decide which of these striking botanical studies is our favourite, so taken are we by each and every piece. This is a must for any Trish Burr lover, as well as any lover of floral and botanical imagery. Make sure to secure your copy now. * Inspirations *The Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers is a beautiful book exploring botanical textile art through needle painting (a form of surface embroidery). The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have a special place in my heart (after I got engaged there) so I had high expectations of this book to do justice to such a beautiful setting with a vast collection of botanicals and botanical illustrations. The botanical illustrations within Kew’s Library, Art and Archives collection have offered inspiration for many makers, crafters and artists since it was established in the mid-19th century. Trish Burr offers a new and inspiring insight into Kew’s botanical illustrations through her 11 embroidery projects. The book starts off with a beautifully detailed section explaining terminologies, materials, tools, and preparation activities. Trish then begins to explain the different stitches. I found these pages not only visually stunning, but clear and accessible. Each stitch is explained with clear tips, methods, diagrams, and photos both how-to for the stitch and for the finished flower using that stitch. Once all these areas have been covered, Trish then starts to guide you through the projects! These projects are grouped according to their difficulty and range from “simple projects” through to “advanced projects”. Each project is so sumptuously presented with beautiful stitching, a clear information list (about materials, project size), information about the illustration that inspired Trish’s textile interpretation and a step-by-step guide for stitching the botanical for yourself. I love how each project also has an accompanying, reusable transfer sheet (with information about how to use the transfer sheet) so that you don’t have to worry about getting the botanical shape correct… you can just start stitching! This really is a breath-taking book and the photography, the information, the projects, and the overall feel of the book is absolutely flawless! A true 5* book which is going to be a beautiful book for anyone interested in art, making, botanicals, Kew, sewing and creating! -- Naomi Clarke * naomialice.com *As well as sewing and quilting, I am very interested in botanical painting and I often indulge myself in painting flowers and botanical subjects. I also love flowers and gardening, so I was very excited to see Trish's interpretation of the Kew collection of fine art botanical subjects in embroidery. When the book arrived, I was struck by the luxury of it - a sumptuous edition with the book wrapped in a practical hard-backed folder to store all the embroidery transfers you need for the projects in the book. There is an elastic closure on the folder to hold the book and transfers neatly in place. Beautiful it certainly is, but it's also a highly practical source book, packed with techniques for you to re-create Trish's stunning embroideries in stitch. As well as sewing and quilting, I am very interested in botanical painting and I often indulge myself in painting flowers and botanical subjects. I also love flowers and gardening, so I was very excited to see Trish's interpretation of the Kew collection of fine art botanical subjects in embroidery. When the book arrived, I was struck by the luxury of it - a sumptuous edition with the book wrapped in a practical hard-backed folder to store all the embroidery transfers you need for the projects in the book. There is an elastic closure on the folder to hold the book and transfers neatly in place. Beautiful it certainly is, but it's also a highly practical source book, packed with techniques for you to re-create Trish's stunning embroideries in stitch. The book includes eleven wonderful projects for beginners and beyond, including embroideries of a camellia, waterlily, and magnolia. I particularly love the Flower Sampler that consists of eighteen small elements in a stunning completed project, or that can be stitched individually. I decided I'm going to have a go at stitching the blackberry. For a small design, it uses twelve colours of thread to build up a stunning design and richness of colour. The folder edition of the book includes all the iron-on transfers you need plus outlines of each design. The iron-on transfers are on thick paper and can be stored in the cellophane envelope that comes with the book. I used the iron-on transfer to get the blackberry design onto a piece of fabric I had actually dyed with real blackberry juice! I will be using this in a special book about the hedgerows that I am making. The instructions for using the transfers are at the end of the book and were very clear to follow. The iron-on design is useable more than once as I prepared a second blackberry for my project. Each design in the book is photographed in excellent detail with step-by-step images to guide you through each stage. The final project in the book is a poppy sampler in the style of a botanical plate and is exquisite. You can achieve this yourself with the comprehensive instructions in the book. I am in awe of this book - it is stunning to look at in itself for anyone with a love of flowers and gardening, but the designs within are so well illustrated and explained that, with some practice, anyone who loves to embroider will be able to achieve them. -- Julie Briggs * The Sewing Directory *In association with The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, here's the ultimate guide to embroidering flowers. The reusable iron-on transfers are in a hardback folder, ready to use. Full size templates are also included. This stunning, practical book is a must-have for anyone interested in capturing flowers in thread. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Trish Burr reinterprets botanical artworks from the archives at Kew Gardens through her delicate and detailed needle paintings; bringing out their colours and giving them a three dimensional quality. A must-have for anyone interested in capturing flowers in thread. * Stitch *Every once in a while a book arrives that you cannot wait to open – The Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers by Trish Burr is such a book, this is a beautiful book, everything from the actual production and presentation of the book, to the illustrations inside, is truly inspiring. Kew’s Library, Art & Archives was established in the 1850’s and now forms one of the greatest collections of botanical information found anywhere.As well as supporting the work of Kew’s scientists and horticulturalists it is also accessed by thousands of researchers, garden enthusiasts, historians and the general public around the world. It is from this collection that Trish Burr’s beautiful embroideries have taken their inspiration. The illustrations are exquisite and the detailed instructions contain everything to encourage any embroiderer to want to create their own examples. The contents include a Foreword by Kew detailing their work. An Introduction from Trish explaining her own journey and encouraging everyone from beginner to advanced to become involved in creating their own work. Trish uses a technique called needle painting, this is a technique of surface embroidery like painting a picture on fabric with a needle and thread, this is also known as silk shading, long-and-short shading, or thread painting. She also includes very comprehensive details including everything you need to know to enable you to get started; including tools and materials, preparation, stitch instructions, how to practise the stitches, outlines, raised embroidery, anatomy of a flower, and useful advice before you start. The projects are then divided into: Simple projects including: Japanese anemone, Flower sampler, Clematis, Camellia Intermediate projects including: Rhododendron, Waterlily, Iris, Spider chrysanthemum Advanced projects including: Rose, Magnolia, Poppy Finally there are details on thread substitutes, the collection of templates and how to use the iron-on transfers. The detail is so helpful, the step-by-step instructions take you through each stage of creating the pieces and the illustrations themselves are outstanding. Embroidery is such a satisfying and wonderful activity and this gorgeous book is destined to become a beautiful heirloom providing inspiration for many generations to come, we absolutely adored it! Highly Recommended! * Beautiful Heirloom Home *Trish Burr is a needlework designer in South Africa, and she has written many, many books, most notably about needlepainting, which is her specialty. With her vast experience, her ever-developing style and approach, and her exquisite sense of colour combinations for shading, it is no wonder that Trish would be the needle artist to delve into the Kew Archives (from the Royal Botanic Gardens), in order to reproduce some of their botanical illustrations in needle and thread. The resulting book, published by Search Press as part of their 50th Anniversary line-up of stellar art and craft books, is a wonderful collection of floral and garden-related cameos for the embroiderer to stitch. The book is extra-special, thanks to a few nuances and extras that we don’t often find in this type of embroidery book. So, let’s take a look at it! First, let’s talk about what’s different. The physical properties of the folio edition of the book are different. Most of us, if we are getting the book now, are most likely going to go for this folio edition, which is the one that’s available for pre-order. The other edition – it’s a straightforward hardbound edition for libraries – lacks this outer folder that holds both the soft-bound version of the book and a packet of iron-on transfers, to make your journey into the projects much easier! The hard-board folio cover protects the book and the transfers and closes with an elastic band. It’s a lot like a moleskin notebook… a very large moleskin notebook. The folio cover and the presence of iron-on transfers are probably the greatest differences you’ll notice right away with this book, but there are other nuances within the book itself that are slightly different from Trish’s previous books. You might not notice it right off the bat, because many art and craft books these days have morphed into this approach, but some of the photos in here are larger than life. They are big, making it easy to see the details of the embroidery. The little berry element, for example, which is part of the Floral Sampler found under Simple Projects, is about 1.5″ high from the tip of the stem to the base of the berry when transferred at the given size. In the book, the photo of the berry is around 5.5 – 6″ from tip of stem to base of berry. So, it’s super enlarged, and you can’t miss the details! This is a good thing, I think. Seeing details is helpful when it comes to exploring a technique, especially as a beginner. But it can give you a sense of discombobulation when you set about embroidering. You don’t necessarily realize that the item you’re about to embroider is significantly smaller than the image of it, until you transfer it. This is one of the problems I run into with blogging, too. Close-up photos of embroidery shown on a website tend to give the sense that the piece is much larger than it actually is, and when you sit down to stitch it, there’s a period of adjustment while you get used to the difference in the real size versus the perceived size. Still, I’d rather have too much detail than too little, especially when I’m learning something new! Ok, let’s look at what’s in the book! The Kew book is both an instructional book and a project book. The projects range from simple to advanced. If you are a beginner in needlepainting, you can start at the beginning of the book to get your feet wet, and then move into deeper waters. If you are experienced, you can jump in anywhere. At the beginning of the book, you’ll find introductions to Kew, to Trish and the book’s contents, and to needlepainting in general. Before getting into the projects, you’ll find the background information for getting started, from fabrics, threads, tools, and basic techniques. Much of the preliminary instruction is offered via diagrams and via close-up photos that demonstrate the techniques. It’s all very clear, as you would expect. Trish goes into detail demonstrating approaches to shading, to colour combinations, stitch direction, and so forth. There are ‘11 inspiring projects’ within the book… technically. Really, there are 28. There are two projects in the book that really excite me the most, although they are all beautiful in their own way. The first is under ‘Simple Projects’, and it’s called the ‘Flower Sampler’. It encompasses 18 embroidered elements (20, if you count each individual embroidered element), each of which can be taken out of sampler context and used as its own little practice project. I love this sampler. I love the idea of it. I love the beauty of the finished, whole sampler. And I love the fact that each element could really stand on its own as a mini project. For each element in the sampler – some of which are not necessarily flowers – you get a materials list, the design, and step-by-step instructions on how to stitch it. You’ll also get a larger-than-life photo with clear details of the embroidery, which will serve well to help you successfully stitch your version. There’s a magnificent bee, by the way… Now, this is where Trish’s artistry really shines. I mean, it shines everywhere, but I’m especially besotted with the bee. Check out the bee wing. It’s solidly embroidered. There’s no translucent anything there – the threads are solid colours. But it is a wonder to behold. It looks translucent, thanks to her subtle shading, drawing in the colours behind the wing and bringing them to the forefront while stitching it. It’s fabulous! There are many simple projects in the book, then, if you consider the sampler as individual projects, too. Then, there are intermediate projects that build on the knowledge and skills you’ve gleaned from the first section of the book. There are four intermediate projects, including studies of the rhododendron, the waterlily, the iris, and the spider chrysanthemum which graces the cover of the book. For those of you who have followed Trish for years, you’ll probably notice some slight adjustments in her style and approach here and there throughout the book. The rhododendron, for example, has a definite contemporary and somewhat trendy look to it. So, you can expect to see some variation in Trish’s interpretations – they are not necessarily all sketchy-botanical looking. Some pieces are very boldly contemporary. There are three advanced projects: a rose, a magnolia, and a poppy sampler. The poppy sampler is my second favourite in the book! It’s just lovely. And it would be a wonderful study in long and short shading. I think I have A Thing for things called samplers. The poppy sampler can also be broken down into at least two – if not more – projects. In the more advanced projects, you’ll see that Au Ver a Soie silks enter the materials lists. Yay! I’m a huge fan of needlepainting with silk. I know there is a school of thought out there that favours stranded cotton for needlepainting (also called “silk shading”) but I’ve always thought that there’s nothing quite as beautiful as silk shading worked with silk! In the back of the book, Trish offers a list of thread substitutions for those who wish to work some of the projects in silk. This is handy! Thread substitutions are never absolutely exact, but it’s a nice springboard for those who like to adjust their own colour palettes and thread types. Finally, of course, there’s the pattern section. If you have the folio edition of the book, though, thankfully, you won’t have to go through a meticulous transfer process! Wow! Heaven! I’m not going to pro and con this book. If you love needlepainting, if you want to explore needlepainting fully, if you love botanicals, you’re going to love this book. You’re going to want the special folio edition. And you’ll find it a treasure. -- Mary Corbet * Needle 'n' Thread *Sometimes Search Press really goes the whole nine yards and produces a book with extra wow factor. From its larger format, sturdy colourful covers, and elastic to keep it closed like a box you know that something special hides within, and you won’t be disappointed. Inside is a pocket full of transfers for stitching eleven stunning studies of flowers from Kew Garden’s botanical illustration collection. The lush colours and elegant layouts of 18th and 19th century botanical art are just made to be captured in embroidery, especially the thread painting style worked mostly in long and short stitch. The author promises that this is not too difficult for even a beginner to master, and there are not many stitches to learn. Mostly it is a case of practising getting the shading right and there are quite a few staged photographs to show the right way. You won’t need many tools and materials; a slate frame or hoop, six stranded cotton floss and fabric is most of what you will require. You can learn how to work the various stitches as well as prepare a hoop, use transfers, choose materials and care for your finished work. To limber you up for the actual projects there are several simple pieces, all with captioned photographs as well as a diagram showing the order of work, list of threads and anything else you need. All sizes are given in both imperial and metric, and after the first project there is an option of working a sampler featuring another 18 small studies plus two simpler larger projects. Following this are two more chapters containing the intermediate and advanced projects, the latter of which concludes with another sampler. Full projects typically have photographic stages with arrows indicating what colour floss, essential when working on complex, variegated flowers with a lot of different shades. Each finished piece is shown in a large format, often over two pages so you can appreciate its beauty and see what you are working to achieve. At the back is a handy table of thread substitutes so you can opt for DMC instead of the more costly and harder to source (at least in the UK) Au Ver A Soie thread. When your transfers have worn out, or you want to work on a dark background there are also full-sized outlines for tracing, showing that the author has thought of everything! This is one of my top choices for this year and a book to treasure. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *I was delighted to be asked to review this book. Having grown up less than seven miles from Kew gardens I have happy memories of family visits to Kew. I have been aware of Trish’s books for a while. I was always a bit daunted by the pictures I had seen. How could I possibly even think about starting one of her projects and achieve such amazing results? With this book think that it might just be possible! The book itself starts with hints and tips for stitching, predominantly using silk shading (also known as needle painting). The most beautiful flower projects are given, all inspired by the library of art and archives at Kew Gardens, the largest collection of its type. Trish begins with good explanation of the types of fabrics you could use for your project, setting out the pros and cons of each. She goes on to explain the threads used and how to use them. Also covered is the types of frames, needles, and other accessories to use as well as tips for when you have finished such as how to wash, block and mount your completed work. There are detailed instructions, photos and line drawings explaining the stitches used, with tips for those perhaps new silk shading – starting with simple leaves and petals, showing direction of stitch and colour changes. This then builds to introduce additional stitches to enhance your embroidery – French knots, satin stitch, padding and outlining. Next on to the set projects – starting with a lovely Japanese anemone. It is so well photographed at every stage, that a flower could otherwise appear daunting, is achievable. The projects then build as you work through the book. There is a sampler with 18 separate elements including some insects as wells as flowers that could be stitched individually or as the intended sampler. Trish then moves onto the intermediate projects which begin to use silks rather than stranded cottons but could be completed with stranded cotton if wished. Finally, we have advanced projects, rose, magnolia, and poppy all with comprehensive shading instructions and photos including very detailed close up pictures. Everything is so clearly illustrated with instructions and pictures, even the advanced projects seem achievable. In the winter when I personally find stitching more difficult with lack of natural light, I can see myself just sitting down and turning its pages. It is beautiful, inspiring, well put together and every purchase supports the work of Kew saving plants and fungi around the world. -- Alison Cross * The SEW Region Magazine - Book Threads *A beautifully illustrated book that will inspire all embroiderers, this book is the result of an invitation to Trish Burr from the Royal Botanic Gardens to examine their extensive collection of botanical illustrations and to reproduce a selection of the illustrations as embroideries. While principally a book on thread painting, the author has used other stitches where appropriate to bring the subjects to life. The details found in the botanical illustrations have been faithfully reproduced in the embroidered works. Rather than being too prescriptive with respect to the materials required to complete the projects, the author provides a good discussion on the pros and cons on background fabric, thread and hoop/frame options. This book has been designed for use by embroiderers of all skill levels. There is an excellent tutorial at the beginning of the book covering the stitches required to complete the projects. The illustrations are excellent and there are examples of petal shapes that can be used to practise shading and colour blending before starting a project. There are 11 projects divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced sections. The photos of the finished projects leap off the page. They are all well presented with easy to follow step-by-step directions and beautiful macro photos of each of the steps, providing excellent guidance on stitch and colour placement. Trish has used the silk threads of Au Ver à Soie in a number of the projects and the subtle colour movement across the embroidered petals gives the smooth, lush appearance of newly unfurled petals just before they are damaged by weathering and insects. The intricate details recorded in the original botanical illustrations have been superbly translated into stitch and the choice of colours and subtle blending of colour throughout the projects is true to nature. There is one particularly good illustration of this in the selection of colours for the bee wings. By selecting a lighter shade of the same tones as the rest of the abdomen of the bee and then outlining the edges and veins of the wings with straight stitch, the wings appear to be transparent. It looks amazing. Each project references the botanical illustration and artist, but I love botanical and zoological drawings as they help you focus on the details in the original subject material and would have loved to see the original illustration beside the embroidered reproduction. (Editor: To see these visit Kew’s website). For anyone who wants to learn or further develop their thread painting skills, this book will help give you the confidence to develop your own projects. -- Sue Swann * Threads *Table of ContentsForeword by Kew 6 Introduction 8 What is needle painting? 10 Tools and materials 10 Preparation 16 Stitch instructions 20 Securing your thread Long-and-short stitch Split stitch Satin stitch French knots Bullion stitch Practise the stitches Outlines 30 Raised embroidery 32 Anatomy of a flower 34 Useful advice before you start 35 Simple projects 36 Japanese anemone 38 Flower sampler 44 Clematis 94 Camellia 100 Intermediate projects 106 Rhododendron 108 Waterlily 116 Iris 122 Spider chrysanthemum 128 Advanced projects 134 Rose 136 Magnolia 144 Poppy 154 Thread substitutes 163 The templates 164 Using the iron-on transfers 176

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"…a must-have for those looking to shrink their ecological footprint with beauty and warmth." --Booklist"…[a] clever how-to…Those looking to bring new life to old pieces will find this a useful guide." --Publishers Weekly"It will give you lots of fun ideas, making mending into a joyful activity instead of a boring chore." --Apartment Prepper blog

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Book SynopsisIn The Flower Hunter, Lucy Hunter takes us on an inspirational journey through a year in her garden and artist’s studio set among the mountains of North Wales. Lucy's evocative, gently humorous words accompany her glorious photographs and exquisite floral arrangements, as she encourages the reader to marvel at the intricate cycles of the natural world, develop their own innate creativity and to look for beauty in the everyday. Her garden provides the raw materials for Lucy's floral artistry – breathtaking naturalistic arrangements with the painterly beauty and flourish of a Dutch still life. Simple projects accompany Lucy’s text, from drying garden flowers for an autumnal wreath to making your own journals and natural dyes to assembling lavish arrangements that showcase the voluptuous beauty of garden roses. Lucy believes that we all have a creative voice buried deep within. The Flower Hunter will encourage you to find your own creativity and help it to blossom.Trade ReviewSeasonality and self-knowledge are at the heart of this beautiful, inspirational and refreshingly fun book by the floral polymath Lucy Hunter - Gardens Illustrated Overflowing with gorgeous photography, wonderful step-by-step tutorials, and beautiful essays - Floret Is a sumptuously illustrated step-by-step guide to creating dreamily beautiful, seasonal floral arrangements from the garden - The Irish Times This gorgeous book showcases the talents of floral artist Lucy Hunter’s stunning naturalistic arrangements...The book is equally appealing as a coffee table addition or as inspiration for growing your own cutting garden of your favorite flowers - Veranda.com Glorious floral arrangements, many of which look like still-life paintings - Cottages & Bungalows Lucy creates masterpieces... luscious – Slow Flowers Journal

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Book SynopsisGray Malin's awe-inspiring aerial photographs are shot from doorless helicopters, creating playful and stunning celebrations of light, shape, and perspective, as well as summer bliss. This colorful two-sided puzzle features sunbathers basking on a white sandy beach on one side and snorklers exploring a coral reef in the sparkling blue ocean on the other side.

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Book SynopsisAn essential guide to working with porcelain, from its history and composition, to building, decorating and firing. For thousands of years, the special properties of porcelain - its delicacy, translucency and remarkable strength - have fascinated and inspired, and these qualities continue to appeal to ceramic artists. However, porcelain is also a notoriously demanding medium that presents unique challenges. In this inspiring practical guide, porcelain artist Vivienne Foley introduces you to the material she has been working with for more than forty years. The book takes a comprehensive look at all aspects of porcelain, and covers everything from its composition and workability, to decorating and glazing. Learn about methods of throwing and building - with a focus on techniques and faults specific to porcelain, explore drying and firing, and make use of a useful troubleshooting section on all the most likely problems and faults along with suggested remedies. Beginning with the fascinating history of making in porcelain, from the Imperial kilns of China to the Meissen factory of Germany and beyond, this book gives you an insight into the way porcelain has been used in the past and how it has been adapted and developed for contemporary work, by current artists who are constantly looking to push the boundaries of possibility. Illustrated throughout with helpful how-to images, as well as the beautiful works of current artists, Porcelain is the essential handbook for any ceramic student or artist seeking to understand and work with this extraordinary material.Trade ReviewReviewing this book was a delight . . . A pleasure to read, beginning with a brief but engaging history of this amazing material, right back to the first proto-porcelains of 1700-1027 BC . . . [and featuring] an articulate analysis of the chemical constituents of porcelain . . . [and] a simple analysis of how the different components contribute to the workability of this material. ... The author's tips on taming the temperamental beauty generously proliferate throughout the book. Vivienne is so obviously 'in tune' with her material. ... Beautifully illustrated throughout . . . A 'must read' for all those who have an interest in working with porcelain, from student through to knowledge-seeking, established practitioner -- Liz Lawrence * Shards, South Wales Potters Newsletter *Table of ContentsIntroduction Acknowledgements 1. A Brief History of Porcelain 2. What is Porcelain? 3. Producing a Workable Porcelain Body 4. Working with Porcelain 5. Forming and Finishing Porcelain 6. Glazes for Porcelain 7. Firing Porcelain 8. Faults and their Remedies Where to See Historic and Contemporary Porcelain Bibliography Featured Artists Main Suppliers Orton Cone Charts Index

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Book SynopsisReaders will gain the advantage over their opponents with easy-to-remember strategies from one of the world's top chess players! Strategy--it's the ultimate secret weapon for championship players around the world. Drawing on his considerable experience in tournament play, International Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan shows players how to apply flexible strategic principles to every part of their game. Using Seirawan's simple and effective planning and analysis techniques, they will enter each game with confidence and energy, ready to play forcefully and intelligently--the way they need to play so they can win every time! Learn to: Diagrams throughout the book illustrate game positions, and readers wi'll meet history's greatest chess strategies--learning from them move by move! Whether for reference during practice games or simply for pleasure reading, Winning Chess Strategies is an information packed resource players will turn to again and again.Trade Review"Seirawan does a great job with this book."--Chesscorner.com "These two books will teach you enough to beat most of your friends and family and all the kids on your block."--Evan Kreider, ChessPraxis

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Book SynopsisIn this visually stunning book, Moy Mackay reveals how you too can create beautiful pictures using felt. Characterised by her wonderful use of colour, Moy’s work is breathtaking and includes still-lifes, animals and landscapes inspired by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Borders where she lives and works. Moy takes you through every step of the process, including the materials and tools you need, the feltmaking process itself (which is easier than you’d imagine), and how to put together four fabulous felt paintings of your own. There is guidance on stitching, including both hand- and machine-stitching, as well as how to use colour and introduce texture in the form of different fibres and threads. There are numerous examples of Moy’s work through the book, and by the end you will not fail to be inspired to create gorgeous felt paintings of your own. "Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter – her work is very free." - Kaffe FassettTrade ReviewWe love this refreshing take on how we can use our own photographs as inspiration, creating unique felt versions. We think its fresh and we are drawn in by Mackay’s passion for her subject. This isn’t an artist simply producing a book for the sake of it, this seems to be her life and love. For the full review click here. -- Ailish Henderson * www.mrxstitch.com *May 12 'Art in Felt & Stitch' by Moy Mackay is a colourful splash of fleece, fibre and thread. The book involves wet felting with wool tops and machine stitching on top of the picture created with it. The book has very clear instructions at the beginning and is excellent if you are thinking of starting to felt pictures. There are six projects in the book with quite a few pages on each one and there is a very clear photographic step-by-step process to follow. What irritates me sometimes about art books is that they can show you how to draw or paint a complex picture and only show four stages. Suddenly they've finished the picture and you wonder how many stages they've skipped over while your picture looks nothing like the final shot in the book. Moy has photographed each stage so if you are a beginner you won't feel lost or frustrated. Each layer is shown and you get a feel for what she has done in each step. Moy explains her inspiration for using felt in the book: "My 'felt paintings', as I call them, are [...] a way of placing the strokes of coloured fibres as one would place brushstrokes. The results are strikingly rich in colour and texture, and as my passion is for colour, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from working with this medium in this way." If you love texture and colour I can't imagine why you wouldn't love this book. A three-dimensional soft intricate woollen picture looks amazing and can look more dramatic than an oil painting. * sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *Summer 13 Vivid colours and dramatic scenery attracted me to this book. Moy’s enthusiastic introduction describes how her love of painting, drawing and ‘making things’ from an early age progressed to ‘create work that utilises colour and subjects in an uplifting, inspiring way.’ Her bio explains that ‘Since graduating from Glasgow School of Art with a BA (Hons) degree in Design, she has lived and worked as a full time artist in the beautiful Scottish Borders, which are the main source of inspiration for her work.’ Moy hopes that her book will inspire and guide you to create in felt, and that through it she can pass on the positive encouragement given by her creative mother and uncle who nurtured her early efforts. The clear contents page outlines a natural progression of topics to inspire even those who have been previously hesitant, to create their own ‘felt painting’. The first few chapters give full details of the materials and equipment required. Chapters with advice on source of inspiration, colour, texture, composition and techniques follow. Projects are grouped under the headings of landscapes, birds, flowers and still life. Clear, easy to follow, step by step instructions accompany photographs to guide you through all the basic techniques. These include the felting process itself as well as how to embellish it to create form and structure with machine and hand stitching. Plentiful inspiring photos of Moy’s own felt paintings enhance the book. I think that this book is suitable for people with all ranges of experience and it has certainly inspired me. Linda Russell, Gwent Guild * Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *Sept 12 This book is a refreshing take on still life and art. Moy Mackay creates her pictures using felting and stitch and gives guidance in the book on how these beautiful works are created. The book begins with an introduction to all the materials and equipment you would need to tackle this kind of work. There is an interesting section where you can see, via instruction and photographs, the progression from wool tops to finished piece. It is quite surprising that the majority of design work is completed prior to felting, and what follows from that is embellishment. It covers the process of wet felting, needle felting, machine and hand stitching, and how each technique adds to the picture. After the initial tutorial, there are three project sections that cover Landscapes, Birds and Flowers. You are guided through these with step-by-step photographs and there is also a gallery of a series of works to illustrate each section. It is a wonderful book to read, with good clear instruction to guide you, and to see the finished pieces which are so colourful and perfectly executed is impetus for the reader to try their own. * Workshop On The Web *May 2015 Since learning to needle felt I have wanted to take it to the next level. This book takes me to that next level and far beyond. Moy gives you everything you need to make the most amazing felted pictures. She uses everything from needle felting, wet felting & sewing to create the most amazing pictures. She takes you through step-by-step each of the techniques so that you'll be able to create each of the pictures in the book. She also gives you all this knowledge so that you can create your own. II love the pictures that you can create. They look amazing! I haven't used some of the techniques in the book but after reading the instructions I feel confident that I will be able to perform them. Moy's use of colours is amazing. I can't wait to try her colour mixes. I feel they will give me more confidence to use more colours in my own projects. I can't believe the amazing looks she gets from her techniques in this book. I've already ordered the items I'll need to make my first picture. I just hope I can do justice to her amazing book. * Crochet Addict UK *June 12 Moy Mackay creates beautiful works of art using fleece, fiber and threads in her book "Art in Felt & Stitch". It is filled with colorful felt paintings of still-life, animals and landscapes inspired by her home in the Scottish Borders. See how she uses various felt techniques to achieve her paintings. Felt is one of the earliest fabrics and is older than weaving, spinning and knitting. The book itself is a work of art with the fiber colors jumping off the page in the numerous photographs. Four step by step projects are included with instructional pictures that are clear, detailed and inspiring and numerous. Also included are many examples of her finished pieces. Moy walks you through the materials and equipment you will need. She explains about fibers and texture, composition and technique. Wool, bamboo and silk are just a few of the fibers she works with. Learn about needle and wet felting and using machine and hand stitching to strengthen the highlights and shadows and creating depth. Her flowers are lovely and landscapes breath taking. It is her project of the Birds with berries and her felt painting of Waxwing with Cherry and Lime Blossom that will make you sigh. If you have been thinking about trying your hand at felting or felting pictures in particular, you will enjoy every page of her book. * www.examiner.com/knitting-in-hartford *May 13 Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter - her work is very free. (Kaffe Fassett) * Author *June 12 This is a lovely book. It is beautifully produced with Moy's felt paintings vibrantly reproduced. The book takes the reader through all the processes beginning with a full description of her colour blending and all materials used in her work. There may be a little too much detail on the techniques of hand carding but that is only a slight criticism. Moy is exceptionally generous with her descriptions and tips, which are scattered around the pages. The reader is taken step by step through all the elements of her work from the designing, preparation, laying of fibres, felting, embellishing, needle felting and embroidery with hand and machine. The projects start with a quite simple scene of bucolic bliss, proceeding onto a patchwork landscape and then on to more complicated designs. These exercises are interspersed with some wonderful nature pieces and landscapes of exceptional beauty. She is a very talented artist and colourist. This is a book which will inspire, delight and instruct and may lead the reader on to experiments of their own or you can just enjoy it for its wonderful images. * Felt Matters *Apr 12 It is fabulous. If you like contemporary art, with vivid colour and lots of texture then this book is for you. There are lots of pictures of Moys work, and plenty of supporting text. Additionally, there are four diverse projects which detail, step-by-step, how to create similar work using felting, embellishing and stitching techniques. I'm awaiting the delivery of some wool and silk tops, so I can get started.-"BushBabyJane", Amazon * Customer *Jun/Jul 12 Moy Mackay's unique and vibrant 'felt paintings' are created by replacing paint as a medium with fleece, fibres and threads and combining traditional felting techniques with fine art. The result is an exquisite fusion of art, felt and stitch that is both up-lifting and inspiring. There is clear guidance through all of the basic techniques, including the felting process itself and how to use machine and hand stitching to further create form and texture. The four projects and numerous examples of Moy's work complete this visual feast, which cannot fail to inspire and excite painters and textile artists alike. * Fabrications *Jun/Jul 12 Hot water and soap have a profound effect on wool. If your favourite sweater has accidentally been treated that way, you are probably less than thrilled with the outcome. But, if the process was intentional, you've probably been experimenting with the art of felting – and creating one of the earliest fabrics known to man. Dry needle-felting using a felting needle or embellisher machine is currently very popular, but the techniques in this book use the traditional wet-felting methods. Every step of the process is clearly described and illustrated with step-by-step photos. The results are simply beautiful and the 'fibre paintings' range from softly impressionistic landscapes to still-lifes of teacups and bold flowers. Needle-felting is used to refine the shapes and simple hand and machine stitching add definition, details and, of course, texture. Moy shares the techniques that she uses to create her beautiful pictures, and every stage is beautifully illustrated with clear photographs. She begins at the very beginning, showing how to card the fibres, lay them down to form the picture and finally felt the piece. When the felting process is complete, more photos show the process of needle-felting to add details and stitching to create definition in the finished piece. There are four projects, which take you through the processes used to create a patchwork landscape, birds, flowers and a still-life (teacup and cakes). If this book doesn't persuade you to explore the creativity of felting, nothing will. * Stitch *Jun/Jul 12 Using fleece, fibres and threads, Moy creates stunning felt ‘paintings’, combining felt-making with fine art in a unique way. Comprehensive step-by-step instructions guide the reader through the basic techniques and continue with four projects, where Moy shows how to use machine and hand embroidery to produce landscapes, still-life studies of flowers and animals. This colourful and exciting book will inspire the felt-maker to try a different approach to their craft. * East Kent Embroiderer's Guild *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials and equipment 10 Inspiration 20 Colour 22 Texture 26 Composition 28 Techniques 30 Landscapes 52 Birds 76 Flowers 92 Still life 110 Index 128

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Book SynopsisThis is a collection of beautiful Christmas designs from top designer Lynette Anderson. The simple patchwork techniques Lynette uses are a great backdrop for the festive applique and stitchery designs. It features a wide range of ideas, a useful mixture of gifts and keepsakes for you to create, from quick-to-stitch gifts, including a Christmas Friends pillow, Santa's Sweet Stockings and Santa Tea Towel to beautiful decorations, including Star Tree Decorations, festive placemats and napkins, and a stunning wall hanging quilt. Beautiful fabrics, festive colours and cute designs are enhanced by a book design that captures Lynette''s heart-warming, quirky style.Lynette includes the basic techniques you will need to make and finish off the projects in this book, from transferring designs to binding a finished quilt. Beginners should find it very useful! With a festive mix of patchwork, applique and stitchery the delightful projects in this book will help you create a Christmas to reTable of ContentsIntroduction; Basic Techniques; Stockings; Snowman Pillow; Placemat/Napkin; Tea Towel; Hanging Quilt; Tree Decorations; Table Runner; Templates; Suppliers; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis pack contains 96 high-quality origami sheets printed with 8 different colorful rainbow patterns.Rainbow patterns are fabulous, colorful and unique. These paper packs make an excellent resource for all different kinds of folding, crafting and scrapbooking projects. The package includes folding sheets as well as a booklet with instructions so that folders can start right away. This origami paper pack includes: 96 sheets of high-quality origami paper Double-sided color Small size 6x6 inch squares Introduction to origami basics and folding techniques Instructions for 7 easy origami projects

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Book SynopsisDaisy Dunn is an award-winning author, classicist and cultural critic based in London. She is a leading authority in her field and a regular commentator and columnist, writing for The Spectator and Literary Review. She is also the author of The Missing Thread. Good Wives and Warriors are a collaborative duo, also based in London. They divide their time between designing large-scale installations for fine art settings and undertaking illustration commissions from a range of clients, including the BBC and Urban Outfitters.

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Book SynopsisAdopt a spontaneous, bold, and fearless approach to painting as a process of discovery-one that results in lush and colorful finished works that will beg to be displayed. This inspiring and encouraging book for both novice and experienced painters teaches how to create colorful, exciting, expressive paintings through a variety of techniques, combining basic, practical painting principles with innovative personal self-expression. Flora S. Bowley's fun and forgiving approach to painting is based on the notion that "You don't begin with a preconceived painting in mind; you allow the painting to unfold." Illustrating how to work in layers, Flora gives you the freedom to cover up, re-start, wipe away, and change courses many times along the way. Unexpected and unique compositions, color combinations, and subject matter appear as you allow your paintings to emerge in an organic, unplanned way while workingfrom a place of curiosity and letting go of fear.

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Book SynopsisAdd color and punch to your next project with Quilt with Tula and Angela. Known for her cool, innovative style, Tula Pink will inspire you to toss your mundane color wheel and commit to her signature approach.Trade Review"Filled with full color eye candy! Who can resist collaboration between two of the top names in the industry who have earned their stripes? It's is worth the wait." --Checker Newsletter

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Book SynopsisShotwell has long written about the ancient Chinese board game that continues to gain popularity throughout the world. Here he introduces it to new players, beginning with exercises on the small student board (9x9). He also discusses its history and philosophy. Annotation 2004 Book News, Inc., Portl

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Book Synopsislucky escapes and great aircraft in the movies… the trivia is limitless and will appeal to everyone, whether you want help telling your Spitfire from your Messerschmitt or you know a Spitfire I from a Spitfire II!

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Book SynopsisThis book features 12 whittling projects with over 100 colour photographs. It is suitable for all levels, including a 'Getting Started' chapter for beginners. It comes from popular author and experienced woodcarver Mike Shipley. Professional caricature carver Mike Shipley introduces you to a whole clan of colourful characters from his native Ozarks. Whether you're a beginner just learning to whittle, or an old hand looking for some new ideas, this book delivers plenty of fun, inspiration, and satisfaction. More than 100 step by step colour photographs guide you through whittling, painting, and staining.

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Book SynopsisIf you'd like to learn to carve in relief, this comprehensive guidebook will teach you everything you need to know. With some sharp tools, a smooth piece of wood and this new book, you'll soon be confidently carving exquisite animals, landscapes, flowers, borders, Celtic knots and more. Acclaimed carver and instructor Lora S. Irish takes you step-by-step through simple carvings on a practice board to introduce all of the essential cuts, contouring and smoothing steps used in basic relief woodcarving. 10 original new project patterns are accompanied by clear in-depth instructions and dozens of how-to photographs. Each design is presented both as an outline pattern for tracing directly onto wood, and as a detailed sketch to guide your work. A stunning photo gallery of finished projects is included to offer further inspiration.Table of Contents-General History -Styles of relief carving -Common carving woods -Basic carving tool kit -Safety -Preparatory steps -Getting started -Finishing steps -How-to projects -Finished project gallery -Patterns

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Book SynopsisThis title features 25 practical projects from world renowned woodturning expert. It will appeal to novice and intermediate turners. It includes all the knowledge needed to get started, along with step-by-step instructions and detailed drawings. Build your woodturning skills and confidence with this variety of projects that take between a couple of hours and a couple of days to complete. All of the 25 projects can be undertaken using a limited amount of tools and equipment. Making use of the six basic tools - spindle roughing gouge, spindle gouge, parting tool, bowl gouge, skew chisel and scrapers - the book will introduce a couple of carving tools and a boring tool and explain why and how to use them. Each project will have a list of tools and materials required, drawings with dimensions and a panel on the wood used. Sections on safety and seasoning wood are also included. Projects include: napkin rings, rolling pin, pastry press, meat tenderizer, wall clock, and bud vase

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Book SynopsisThis chunky book contains a wealth of fascinating information on a huge variety of subjects. There are hundreds of quizzes, divided by difficulty level and subject matter. Many are themed, along the classic lines of music, sport, geography, politics, entertainment etc. and many more. Pot luck quizzes are included. This book contains all you will need for setting your own pub quizzes, or for brushing up on your general knowledge before you try your next competition. Includes more than 10,000 questions and answers. Table of Contents0

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Book SynopsisWilderness Knits for the Home is Linka Neumann’s second book, showcasing a stunning collection of homeware knits to make while embracing the Scandinavian spirit and cosying up next to a warm fire. After the success of Wilderness Knits, with its cosy jumpers and cardigans set against the backdrop of the Norwegian landscape, Linka brings us gorgeous wall hangings, cushions, blankets (including for your dog!) and more. Once again, set in the stunning Norwegian countryside, the book inspires you to knit these beautiful creations and embrace the aesthetic of the Scandinavian wilderness. As ever, Linka uses her environment to inspire her as well as animals from the snowy north – with dogs, orcas, polar bears and reindeers finding their way into her designs. If making jumpers and cardigans with Scandi-style yokes feels too complicated for you, these simpler shapes of squares and rectangles will give you the confidence to make your own creations with similar designs. Including 27 projects – all with knitting diagrams and inspirational photography – you will be knitting presents for all your friends and family as well as for your own home in no time.Trade ReviewPraise for Wilderness Knits: ‘These knits will keep ramblers warm and dry for a lifetime of adventuring’ – Let’s Knit ‘Super-cosy jumpers and cardigans’ – The Knitter ‘Exceptional pieces’ –The Scandi Edit

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Book Synopsis A visual how-to guide on the craft of tufting rugs, home decor, and more from the duo behind Tuft the World, the tufting company that has helped launch and educate a new generation of tufters.Tuft the World is an easy-to-follow and beautifully illustrated guide to tufting, whether you''re creating your first project or are a seasoned tufter. Brought to you by the preeminent experts in the machine-tufting field, this detailed crafting guide shows you, through step-by-step instructions and 175 full-color photographs, how to create contemporary, stylish, and enjoyable machine-tufted rugs, clothes, and objects. Within these pages, you''ll learn about:- Tufting machines, materials, and techniques - Workspace setup - How to create projects from start to finish, including everything from a bathmat, bedside rug, shawl collar, or chair slipcover to a picture frame, sculptural work of art, or stunning tufted cat tree! - Contemporary rug artists and their design

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Book SynopsisA highly illustrated step-by-step guide to designing and making contemporary tableware in clay, featuring inspirational pieces by leading designers. 'This book is a go to book for the art of creating tableware... The level of experience between the pages of this book from Sue and Linda is unquestionably invaluable to the reader.' Keith Brymer Jones, Master Potter and judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down The tableware we use is very important in our everyday lives, whether plates, bowls, mugs, cups or teapots. This stylishly illustrated guide helps budding and established ceramicists alike to create practical and attractive ranges, starting with design principles, working through appropriate construction techniques, and leading on to decoration and finishes. Leading designers Sue Pryke and Linda Bloomfield explain the importance of inspiration and consistency in design, providing step-by-step guides to the main making methods, which include hand building, pinching, coiling, throwing and slipcasting. They also offer advice on using various clay materials – such as recycled and reused clay bodies – and the combination of clay with other materials including wood, metal, textiles and synthetics. Tips are provided on glaze fit, dishwasher- and microwave-safe glazes, firing and finishing. Featuring beautiful photographs of the work of such prominent tableware makers as Sasha Wardell, James and Tilla Waters, Reiko Kaneko and Nico Conti, there are many sources of inspiration for those wishing to further their tableware ambitions.Trade ReviewThis book is a go to book for the art of creating tableware. Not only is it beautifully illustrated with wonderful examples of work. It explains in simple easy to understand terms of how to get started. The level of experience between the pages of this book from Sue and Linda is unquestionably invaluable to the reader. * Keith Brymer Jones, Master Potter and judge on 'The Great Pottery Throw Down' *Owning the book is like having a master craftsman in your studio. * Anthony Quinn, Course Leader BA Ceramic Design at Central Saint Martins *visually appealing… This is best suited for experienced ceramicists looking to elevate their craft. * Publishers Weekly *This is a book to inspire anyone to enter a studio, get hands on and create their own stylish wares for the table. * The Arts Society Magazine *This step-by-step guide is a great source of inspiration for those wanting to further their tableware ambitions. * Ceramic Review *Call this the apex of simplicity. Pryke and Bloomfield, commercial potters who design for powerhouses like IKEA, join forces to explain the how-tos of contemporary tableware… Color photographs showcase not only step-by-step details but also an incredible range of professional ceramics in the authors' understated aesthetic. * Booklist *Packed full of inspiration for those wishing to further their tableware ambitions, the book provides ideas for potters at any level of practice. * London Potters Magazine *A useful one-stop guide to the end to end process of making tableware. * Scottish Potters *This book is beautifully produced and superbly illustrated * Anglian Potters Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction Inspiration Design: How to Make a Coherent Tableware Collection Materials: Types of Clay Clay Preparation and Recycling Health and Safety Making Methods Glazing Firing Finishing Conclusion

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Book SynopsisCombine the best of knitting and crochet using Japan's visual notation style!Tunisian crochet is the knitwork style that combines the cast-on method of knitting with the hook method of crochet, resulting in fabrics that look woven as well as knitted. Tunisian CrochetThe Japanese Way gives knitting and crochet enthusiasts a chance to create beautiful patterns and textures using the clear chart-and-symbol method of visual notation pioneered in Japan and now popular worldwide. Step-by-step illustrations for 13 classic stitches are provided, along with the 20 stylish projects:Wave Stitch Used to create an intricate multi-colored shrug Seed Stitch Perfect fun bags of all sizes, from a fabulous drawstring bucket bag (with a scallop stitch) to a beautifully patterned pencil case Cube Stitch You'll enjoy using this to make a colorful vest and splashy tippet Domino Stitch A versatile stitch that can be used to create an elegant beretAnd many more!Each project comes with complete instructio

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Book SynopsisA delightful collection of crochet patterns for interactive, activity toys for babies and toddlers. Evidence shows that play contributes to the development of cognitive, motor, emotional and linguistic skills and plays a key role in raising self-confident, creative and happy children.

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Book SynopsisBring your inner artist to life through art journaling and intuitive mixed media.   In Creative Wanderlust, mixed-media artist and author Kasia Avery shows you how to set up and begin an art journaling practice, and then how to fully enjoy and benefit from it with ideas and tools for moving beyond obstacles such as perfectionism, self-criticism, and finding space and time to create.   The founder of the Everything Art mixed-media online learning platform and the lead teacher of its yearlong mixed-media course Wanderlust, Kasia knows what artists need, having coached thousands of students over the years and listened to their struggles while helping them break through and find joy in art.   This stunning and informative book includes:   Comprehensive information on supplies and the fundamentals for getting started in an art journaling practice. Sections focusing on overcomiTrade Review“The affirming tone buoys the open-ended projects, which will help budding artists stretch their creative muscles. This inventive manual has much to offer.” * Publishers Weekly *"An exuberant introduction to art journaling for self-expression and well-being." * Library Journal Starred Review *"If you’re looking for a way to unleash your inner artist and explore your creativity, Creative Wanderlust by Kasia Avery is the perfect guide." * Craft Gossip *"An ideal DIY instructional guide to mixed media artwork and the development of your personal style." * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsWelcome to the Club! Is This Really Art? What Is Art Journaling 1 GET THE PARTY CRACKING Choose Your Art Journal Create a Supply Kit Your Paints Are in a Relationship! Paper: Make It Work! Be the Color Champ Composition-Building Made Simple 2 MINDSET IS KING How to Work with the Prompts Why Is Being Bad at Something a Good Thing? Creative Rituals Make the First Mark 3 FILL YOUR ART JOURNAL—NOW! The Reasons to Art Journal Finding the Time Take Up Your Space! Self-Care + Art Journaling The Mindful Approach It Turns Out I’m a Perfectionist Are You Inspired? How to Stop Comparing Yourself Every Day Is a Party Day How To Express Feelings Through Art Journaling The Wild Beast Is Unleashed Parting Thoughts Creative Sparks About the Contributors Thanks About Kasia Index

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Book SynopsisWith Creative Portraits in Watercolor, you’ll learn creative techniques for capturing a unique and stunning likeness using watercolor and other art mediums.

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